PermaCOST Working Groups coordinate expertise, methods and data practices to support harmonised and standardised permafrost monitoring across Europe. Each group addresses a key component of the monitoring chain, from parameter selection and data acquisition to processing, assessment and network development.
Working Group 1
Identification of key parameters and associated methods for permafrost monitoring
WG1 aims to evaluate key parameters and associated methods complementary to established monitored permafrost parameters (ground temperature and active layer thickness). WP1 will evaluate the suitability of additional key parameters for permafrost monitoring, and their added value for comprehensive assessment of permafrost state and evolution.
Tasks
- T1.1. Evaluation of the current European permafrost monitoring activities
- T1.2. Evaluation of key complementary permafrost parameters and monitoring methods for standardised applications
- T1.3. Creation of method-specific sub-working groups for WGs 2–4
Leaders
Flavius Sirbu
WG1 Leader
West University of Timișoara, Timișoara
- Email Address
- Romania
Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer
WG1 Co-Leader
University of Graz, Graz
- Email Address
- Austria
Working Group 2
Permafrost data acquisition standards
WG2 aims to compile and homogenise existing data acquisition guidelines for permafrost specific application of the key complementary monitoring parameters and methods (defined in WG1).
Tasks
- T2.1. Compilation of existing data acquisition standards and guidelines
- T2.2. Homogenisation of data acquisition guidelines
- T2.3. Dissemination and implementation of the guidelines
Leaders
Mohammad Farzamian
WG2 Leader
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agraria e Veterinaria, Oeiras
- Email Address
- Portugal
Working Group 3
Permafrost data processing standards
WG3 aims to compile, evaluate and homogenise data processing standards for data sets of the key parameters and associated methods (defined in WG1).
Tasks
- T3.1. Compilation of available data processing standards and routines
- T3.2. Homogenisation and evaluation of the data processing routines
- T3.3. Promotion and implementation of the routines
Working Group 4
Permafrost state assessment
WG4 aims to compile the first European-wide comprehensive (i.e. including key complementary parameters and methods defined in WG1) assessment of permafrost state and evolution.
Tasks
- T4.1. Compilation of European permafrost monitoring data
- T4.2. Comprehensive assessment of permafrost state in Europe
- T4.3. Community publication
Leaders
Francesco Brardinoni
WP4 Leader
Alma Mater Studiorum – Universita di Bologna, Bologna
- Email Address
- Italy
Working Group 5
Permafrost monitoring network promotion
WG5 aims to promote and support the development of operational permafrost monitoring networks at the national, regional and European levels.
Tasks
- T5.1. Assessment of community needs
- T5.2. Coordination of monitoring activities between research and operational networks (i.e. national institutions)
- T5.3. Support and foster national, regional and European-wide permafrost monitoring networks